Instructor Class Description

Advanced Topics in Science and Technology

Explores selected advanced topics in science and technology.

Class description

Consciousness and Well-Being: What does it mean to be happy? What does it mean to flourish? What does it mean to be psychologically well? This course will examine the roles of meditation, neuroplasticity, peak experiences, synchronicity, and resilience in the development and attainment of exceptional well-being.

Student learning goals

Describe the ways in which “thinking without thinking” affects our individual and collective experiences.

Understand the concept of neuroplasticity and how thoughts and emotions change the physiological structure and potential of the brain.

Appreciate the complexity of happiness and the role of meditation and expanded awareness in achieving and enhancing this state of consciousness.

Understand the concept of synchronicity and its relationship to consciousness and well-being.

Demonstrate the ability to distill, discuss, and evaluate the principal ideas presented in textual material.

Demonstrate the ability to reflect on, write about, and discuss your own ideas and insights about these issues.

Junior or Senior standing. BST 221 or BST 323, or permission of the instructor.

Class assignments and grading

1) Outline of each reading, delineating the main points the author is making. Students must be present in class to turn in and receive credit for each synopsis.
2) Final reflection essay: 5 page essay reflecting on what you learned during the course.
3) Participation: Students will be evaluated by the professor and themselves during class discussion based on their preparation to discuss the readings carefully and cogently, use of notes and texts to support their contributions, and respect shown to other participants.

Chapter Outlines: (33.3%)
Final essay (33.3%)
Participation (33.4%)

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Kathleen D. Noble
Date: 06/14/2011

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Modified:April 23, 2014